Nostalgia Already?

It has been a little over a week since I returned from Jordan. I should be back into the swing of things by now. My body should be adjusted to Boston time. I should be working out again. I should be looking for new projects and opportunities. I should be looking for a job. I should, I should, I should…

But I’m not, I’m not, I’m not.

I’m restless. I can’t seem to move onto something fresh. I miss the sense of purpose I had in Jordan. While I was reporting on displaced Syrians, I felt like I was chasing something prodigious. I spent so many days and nights listening to horrific stories from astonishingly strong people. It was inspiring. It was life-changing. For the first time since I chose this journalism path, I felt beyond passionate about what I was doing. I was electrified and consumed by the story.

Now I’m back in Boston. I should be elated to be back in the land of long showers and air-conditioned coffeeshops, right? Instead of elation though, I feel more like I’m wandering through some far-flung woods without a compass (scratch that reference – compasses are so passé) Google Maps to guide me out. Am I experiencing my first reporting hangover?